‘Because the archer will have three relative heights of the fish to consider – the actual height, the height as ascertainable from the water, and the relative height of the archer from the bowl and the wheel. Quite ingenuous,’ Karna admitted in evident admiration.

Soon enough, the announcer confirmed the rules of the contest, exactly as Karna had described. The challenge was onerous enough. King Drupad apparently did not think so, for the bow to be used had to be carried into the arena by five strong men, and carefully placed on a table. It was unstrung. A bowstring lay coiled beside it. The bow was reflex, curving away from the archer when unstrung. It had to be inverted to string it into the classic shape, and hence required great strength.

‘There is something nefarious going on with the bow, is it not, Karna?’ Bahlika asked, squinting at the table on which it lay.

‘Aye.’ Karna eyed the bow like a jeweller investigating for impurities in a gem. ‘It is a composite bow made of different constituents, but quite unlike any I have seen. Bows are usually made from a combination of horn, sinew, softened bone and wood. But this one has significant chunks of iron in it, making it terrifyingly heavy to lift, let alone string and shoot. And I do not think the arrow is any simpler. It is significantly disproportionate to the length of the bow, and made of weak wood, which is prone to warping over distances.’

Shishupal sighed happily. ‘I am so glad I withdrew.’

Bhurishravas nodded. ‘You and me both, my friend.’

Bahlika turned to Karna, a gleam in his eyes. ‘Well, Highmaster, what do you think? Is it possible?’

Karna smiled. ‘Too easy, Your Grace.’

KARNA found it difficult, however, not to stare at Draupadi. She looked ethereal. Her hair was a mane of red wine ringlets that fell all the way to her hips. Her blouse was an airy confection of Mathuran lace, sheer crimson silk, and seed pearls. A complimenting embroidered dupatta5 covered her head. Her burgundy tiered skirt was long, with resham flowers at the waist and a contrasting gold frill at the hem. Her gold bangles were embedded with red coral roses, as was the maang tika6 that accentuated her lovely forehead.

‘What now, Uncle?’ Sudama asked.

‘I must ride around the arena in a chariot. For a change, I will be sitting instead of driving it.’

Sudama gawped. His grandfather Adirath, came from a long line of charioteers but never had one of his family been bestowed the honour of being driven in a chariot. He kissed Karna proudly on the cheeks, tears in his eyes.